Reverend Philip McDowell, pastor of South Hempstead Baptist Church; Carolyn Harding, a local performer; Wilton Robinson Jr., president of Roosevelt Public Library; Dorothy Goosby; Melvin Walker, owner of More Steak than Philly restaurant in Baldwin; Reginal Lucas, president of the Hempstead Coordination Council of Civic Associations; Florence Simmons, principal of Uniondale High School; and Theresa Sanders, president of the Urban League of Long Island.

Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby will present the 11th annual Kwanzaa Celebration on Dec. 20.

The event was held at the Nathan L.H. Bennett Pavilion near Town Hall.

The keynote speaker was Regina Williams, co-pastor of the Kingdom Family Ministry in Uniondale. Participants included Knightime Jazz Band, Uniondale High School Kickline and Uniondale High School Show Choir.

This year’s honorees included Theresa Sanders, president of the Urban League of Long Island; Florence Simmons, principal of Uniondale High School; Reginal Lucas, president of the Hempstead Coordination Council of Civic Associations; Melvin Walker, owner of More Steak than Philly restaurant in Baldwin; Wilton Robinson Jr., president of Roosevelt Public Library; Carolyn Harding, a local performer; and Rev. Phillip McDowell, pastor of South Hempstead Baptist Church.